Really anything proven and Japanese (Or South Korean for Hyundai) is a good buy, Mazda 3's, Mitsubishi Lancers, Toyota Corollas/ Old Camry's anything Honda really can't go wrong. Hyundai also makes some good cars (I 20's and i 30's). If you want a true shitbox that you can abuse till it dies, maybe buy a Hyundai Getz.
Hyundai produced 1,390,084 Getz models between 2002 and 2011 and Australians bought 153,000. There are only about 400 left after production ended last year. That's less than half the 1000 they sell each month. The entry level Getz 1.4-litre three-door is listed at $13,990 and the base model Accent starts at $16,990.
RWC REGO WARRANTY FINANCE TRADE INS 2005 HYUNDAI GETZ GL HATCHBACK AUTO 4CYL 1.5L 202,000 KMS BLUETOOTH CONNECTION TO LISTEN TO YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC DRIVES VERY NICE & SMOOTH RWC & REGISTRATION FREEZING AIRCON ODO: 202,000KMs PETROL ENGINE WARRANTY AUTOMATIC 5 SEATER AutoRecord Available. $6,990 $7,990. D7Ys.